Britain's Queen Elizabeth In Hospital, In "Good Spirits"

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is reportedly in "good spirits" as she is being treated for symptoms of gastroenteritis at a London hospital.

LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (MARCH 4, 2013) (ITN) - Members of the media gathered outside the King Edward's hospital in centralLondon on Monday (March 4), where Britain's Queen Elizabeth continued her recovery from symptoms of gastroenteritis.

The 86-year-old monarch first developed symptoms of the stomach bug on Friday (March 1) and the decision to take her to hospital was a precautionary measure. She was in good spirits and her condition was not deteriorating, the palace spokesman said.

All the queen's engagements for the coming week, including a trip to Italy scheduled for March 6-7, have been cancelled or postponed. It is unusual for the monarch, who is very diligent in carrying out her royal duties, to cancel any engagement.

The queen last appeared in public on Thursday (February 28), when she bestowed honours on British Olympic medallists including heptathlon star Jessica Ennis. The queen appeared well and happy in a salmon pink outfit in photographs of that event.

The head of state, who last year celebrated 60 years on the throne, is known for her robust health. She was last hospitalised in 2003 when she had a knee operation.